While injuries did factor in to Garcia's decision making, the 2005 season will be a no-brainer letting Polley take control, who looks to build upon his 580 yards passing on 59 completions last season.

Helping Polley (#7) out this year will be returning starting tailback Ryan Thompson (#32), who as a junior had an impressive 697 yards and five scores, including 138 yards receiving on 18 catches.  Carlos Snyder (#25) could also get increased carries in 2005 as well.

Polley will find some difficulty in the throwing lanes this season with the graduation of Carlos Burciaga (#11), and J.R. Haude (#14), but third option tight end Jordan Reimer is back, along with his 189 yards catching from 2004.  Nic Garza (#86) should also be a solid throw-to for Polley this season.

A rising star on defense will be at the disposal for Shafter again this season in LB Elisha Gonzalez (#33), who as a sophomore in 2004 lead the entire team in tackles.  When Garcia got the nod this past season to take the varsity reigns for the school, bringing with him the talent of Gonzalez to help bolster his defense paid off (and will undoubtedly continue to pay off) huge dividends to Shafter's program emergence.

Joining Gonzalez at linebacker will be Andrew Castillo (#35) and Alfredo Penuelas (#56), who were a solid run-stoppers and pursiers last season.  Cruz Segura (#53) and Warren Williams (#77) should also provide solid support at the line of scrimmage at his tackle position.

PITCH AND SPRINT- Last season Tyler Hansen (#8) helped orchestrate Tehachapi to 395 total yards rushing to a 34-0 halftime lead.  In the second half, the Warriors called off the dogs to cruise to the win column, 41-7.

Dangerous times loom ahead for Tehachapi when talking of Shafter...Garcia now has at his disposal the freshmen team of two years ago that he helped lead to an SSL championship.  Could Garcia help that same unit score a couple of SSL titles this season an next?

Hopefully, Tehachapi will have something to say about that.  We'll have to wait until week 9 to see if Garcia can generate the magic.

For a brief history of each of the games that the Warriors and Generals have played each other, click here.  You can also view 2004 Weekly Warrior analysis and 2004 game stats of the last meeting between these two teams.